The solution and result

Stephen Benford, Development Manager at Common Grounds Estates, discusses their analogue to digital journey with Appello.

Why did you need to move to a digital telecare system?

Our previous telecare units had been in place since approximately 2010 and used residents’ telephone lines to connect, which was causing some issues. If it was a no speech call, the operators at the monitoring centre would try to telephone the person directly but they couldn’t get through as the unit was using the telephone line. That was the first problem. Then obviously we also had to change the system to be ready for the digital switchover.

We'd been advised by several organisations that we would need to overhaul everything – not just the emergency call systems but also the door entry system, the fire detection, in every dwelling. But we didn't want to go that far because those systems were still working well. I did a lot of research and the residents agreed that the right option was to focus on the emergency call system at this stage.

Why did you choose the SmartLife digital dispersed alarm?

A big selling point was the fact that it would come through Appello, who already provide our monitoring services. Everyone's been happy with that, so it made sense to have everything in one place.

SmartLife also offered us a much more cost effective solution than other options on the market, so it was a no-brainer really.

It was important to involve the residents in the decision, as well as the board of directors. If we're spending that sort of budget, then we need to discuss it with the residents because it's their money at the end of the day.

We were able to demonstrate SmartLife at our monthly residents’ coffee morning. Everybody was keen because it’s such a neat-looking unit and the price was right.

How did you find the installation process?

This was another selling point as I could manage the installations in-house, without needing the budget for an engineer to do it.

It took me about three and a half weeks to install the devices. I did the programming in the office with the support of the Appello helpline. Then it took maybe ten minutes to get each device working in the properties. I sent a note to the residents to let them know I was going to do it in flat number order and then I was able to go straight in, plug the device in, switch it on and do a test call. It works for those without internet because it uses SIM cards, so it was very straightforward.

How have you found SmartLife so far?

Residents have found SmartLife quicker and clearer to connect than the old units, so there's been very little disruption. If they need emergency services, things seem to happen more quickly if they press their button and speak to the Appello team rather than dialling 999.

I've also found the Appello Device Management Platform (DMP) to be quite simple to use (this allows for remote monitoring, configuration and updates). I had some training in the beginning, which was brilliant.

What are your next steps?

We're now talking to Appello about the pull cord system in our lift and a number of fire panels that use the analogue telephone line. We're looking for something that will convert the signal to digital.

What’s your advice for organisations yet to switch to digital?

Just do it! Cost-wise, it's an outlay but it needs doing – it could save somebody's life. That says it all, I think.